I’ve been back in New York for ten days now, and from Albany to Brooklyn it seems the awful weather is the topic of the hour. I mostly just stay quiet and nod in empathy, since no one wants to hear moaning from someone who’s so recently returned from sunnier settings. But the truth is I feel like I’m going through a long winter myself right now, at least metaphorically. I’m finding comfort in remembering that the things I’m struggling with are fairly universal — a loved one being very sick; anxiety over work; missing someone you just can’t be with; just feeling a little lost. But mostly, I’m finding comfort in remembering that spring always comes, and it will be here soon.

Apologies to anyone who follows me on Instagram, since versions of all these photos have shown up there. It was just one of those weeks where creativity was hard to come by. I am excited, though, about the posts coming up this week, which will cover my absolutely insane dive trip into Panama’s Coiba National Park. So if you’re all, um, enough of the sadlympics here let’s get onto the fun stuff! Then, well I don’t blame ya — check back in tomorrow for sunnier posts ahead.

Photo AA rare blue winter sky in my hometown of Albany

Photo BFresh tulips to welcome me back home

Photo CJean-Michel Cousteau speaking at the Beneath the Sea conference — attending was the highlight of my week

Whew, that was heavy. So, on the bright side, which photo is your favorite?

I like the photo of Albany. I have been there many times by refrigerated cargo ship, since it was a major port for Chiquita bananas, but we were always in a rush to catch the ship or leave the ship and go elsewhere, so I’ve never toured Albany. And I should! The trip down the Hudson to Manhattan and then into deep blue water is one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen. I’m looking forward to the Coiba dive tale – I had a friend who was in prison there in the 1970s and am so glad it is now a pleasant place to visit.

You know, Albany is exotic…for me at least :)Though I’ve been travelling all my life on all continents, I’ve only stayed one night in Miami and a couple of hours a couple of times in Lax…Smart offbeat reports while you’re there will always make my day..by the way I loved this colored picture of Will Cody , first time I see it! (can’t be Cousteau, I would have noticed the french accent, après tout!)

I haven’t written about Albany in a very long time, but I’m sure I’ll get to it this summer since I’m spending quite a bit of time there! Glad to hear from people who would enjoy reading hometown reports. Oh, and it is indeed Cousteau!

Feeling down is never fun, I hope you get your smile back soon!
All the photos are beautiful as always, but A has to be my favourite – I’m an architecture addict and would love to live in one of those buildings.
KiKiKiKi B recently posted..

I had a really funny conversation with a friend today where I heard myself saying, “I think I’m going to be really happy by mid-April.” It’s a funny sentiment but I think warmer weather, a clearer calendar and a full month of clean eating behind me (I returned home to a closet full of clothes that don’t fit, which has also been rough) will do wonders.

How wonderful you caught the Beneath The Sea Conference. Seems you spend as much time possible beneath the sea ;>)

The Cousteau family has done more for our friends in the oceans than anyone. I aways remember Jacques saying that the Sea of Cortez has the most abundant sea life on earth. Wow, that is the local hangout for us here in Southern California.
His comments caused the Mexican government to create some marine reserves to protect these untouched areas for the future.

All the Cousteau kids came to this conference a few years ago and did a panel on The State of Our Oceans. It was fantastic and I still remember how inspiring it was. They are definitely an impressive bunch!

Ha, I do love the way you tackle sad. I think I’ve said before on your blog that my sad is always tinged with guilt, which is an even more toxic emotion! I am on a downer right now but I can see the light, and there have been times when that wasn’t true so I’ve learned to be grateful for it.

Got to go for B! Love the flowers. I’m sorry that you’re having a tough time right now- but like you say- Spring always comes in the end. Please don’t feel bad for not being all sunshine all the time. You’re a human being with feelings and you shouldn’t have to pretend otherwise. xJoella J (J in Beijing) recently posted..

Thanks J. I know a lot of people read this blog as an escape and sometimes when I realize I’ve written quite a few negative posts in a row I start to feel guilty! But you are right, that is the way life truly is — ups and downs and sometimes quite a few downs.

I totally get the place you’re in right now and I feel like I am struggling with similar thoughts, but ever since the sun started to make an appearance in Norway, things have been getting easier. So I love how you say that spring always comes – because it’s so true! And probably the only way to really be able to deal with those struggles. But we’re all thinking of you! 🙂

My favorite picture is Photo A – love the look of the two buildings in the foreground. Exactly how I imagine old buildings in New England to look like! 🙂Melanie Fontaine recently posted..

I'm a New York native who left my home to explore the world slowly and thoroughly. I’m just a little obsessed with photography, scuba diving, and reading guidebooks to countries I have no immediate plans to visit.